The Dunes, Saadiyat Island
Project Highlights
Key features
Located in Saadiyat Reserve on Saadiyat Island
Developed by Aldar Properties
Offers 4 and 5-bedroom luxury villas
Includes community hub, sports courts, parks and pools
Multiple finishing schemes for customization
Close to schools, beaches, and cultural landmarks
The Dunes is a villa-only community within Saadiyat Reserve, developed by Aldar Properties PJSC. Designed to reflect a premium lifestyle on Abu Dhabi’s iconic Saadiyat Island, the community includes spacious 4 and 5-bedroom villas set amidst greenery and tranquil surroundings. Though the area is under development, it already offers a family-centric environment with access to parks, walkways, and leisure venues.
Each villa features well-appointed spaces with a focus on comfort and privacy. Ground floors include private entrances, majlis, maid and driver’s rooms, as well as functional amenities such as a laundry, kitchen, pantry, and storerooms. Upper floors offer multiple en-suite bedrooms, study rooms, and terraces to cater to larger households.
The project’s architecture embraces sustainable living with pedestrian-friendly pathways, bicycle tracks, and landscaped outdoor areas. Recreation is central to the lifestyle, with swimming pools, amphitheatres, multipurpose halls, and game zones spread throughout the development.
Aldar Properties continues to shape Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape, and The Dunes is a part of its broader vision for Saadiyat Reserve – an area known for blending luxury living with cultural and ecological richness.
Market Trends & Living Insights
Real Estate Market Trends & Prices
4-Bedroom Villas: AED 507,000 (Average Rent), AED 8,351,000 (Average Sale Price), ROI: 5.78%
5-Bedroom Villas: AED 690,000 (Average Rent), AED 10,363,000 (Average Sale Price), ROI: 6.13%
Popular Property Types & Layouts
Property Type: Villas only
Layouts:
4-bedroom duplexes with majlis, maid’s and driver’s room, private terrace
5-bedroom villas with multiple lounges, outdoor pools, and spacious kitchens
Interior finishings in four styles: Cool Standard, Cool Premium, Warm Standard, Warm Premium
Pros & Cons of Living in The Dunes
Pros
Premium villa-only community
High-end amenities and sports courts
Proximity to Saadiyat beaches and cultural landmarks
Prestigious educational institutions nearby
Cons
Bus stations are not within walking distance
Project still in developing stages
Transportation & Parking
The Dunes provides ample private parking spaces within each villa. The area connects easily to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Street (E12), making travel by car convenient for residents.
Public Transportation in The Dunes Saadiyat Reserve
Saadiyat New York University 1 / Laffan Street bus stop – 10–13 mins drive
Saadiyat NYU 2 & 3 bus stops – 13 mins drive
Accessible via E12 highway
Buses available: Routes 170 and 187
Amenities, Schools & Healthcare
Supermarkets near The Dunes
There are several supermarkets within a 10 to 15-minute drive of the community:
Delice Supermarket
Grandiose Global Gate
Select Market Saadiyat
Day Mart Convenient Store
Mosques and Churches near The Dunes
Mosques
Al-Hamd Mosque – 7 mins drive
Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque – 15 mins
Hidd Al Saadiyat Mosque – 17 mins
Churches
St. Francis Church – 14 mins drive, located in Saadiyat Cultural District
Nurseries, Schools, Higher Education near The Dunes
Nurseries
Redwood Montessori Nursery
Bright Beginnings Nursery
Odyssey Nursery
Schools
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
American Community School of Abu Dhabi
Higher Education
New York University Abu Dhabi
Clinics and Hospitals Near The Dunes
HealthPlus Family Clinic – 12 mins, C8, SDN1
Tamara Polyclinic LLC – 13 mins, Saadiyat Marina District
Twinkle Skin Clinic – 13 mins, Bloom Soho Square
Nearby Areas
The Dunes is surrounded by upscale residential sub-communities on Saadiyat Island:
Jawaher Saadiyat – 12 mins
Saadiyat Cultural District – 13 mins
HIDD Al Saadiyat – 14 mins
Saadiyat Marina District – 14 mins
Lifestyle & Leisure
Shopping Malls near The Dunes
The Collection – 14 mins, offers 26 retail outlets, restaurants, and cafes
Restaurants near The Dunes
Burro Blanco Saadiyat
The Food Hall
Cappucci Restaurant & Cafe
Sushi Counter
Colo Loco
Asiatic & Co
The Marketplace
Escape from New York Pizzeria
Mysk Restaurant
East & West Dining Halls at NYU Abu Dhabi
Other Dining Options near The Dunes
Desire’s Specialty Cafe
Lingua
The Library Café
Beaches near The Dunes
Saadiyat Beach – 15 mins
Saadiyat Beach Club – 12 mins
Soul Beach – 15 mins
Sunset Beach – 15 mins
Kai Beach Saadiyat – 15 mins
Leisure & Landmarks near The Dunes
Manarat Al Saadiyat – 13 mins
Jubail Mangrove Park – 13 mins
Louvre Abu Dhabi – 14 mins
Outdoor, Fitness & Beauty near The Dunes
Dog park, tennis & padel courts, playgrounds
Gyms
Ultimate Athletics – 13 mins
Stile Vita Fitness Center – 15 mins
Bodyism Saadiyat – 18 mins
Salons
Amro Ladies Salon – 9 mins
Tips and Toes Saadiyat – 11 mins
1847 Grooming at Saadiyat Beach Club – 13 mins
Community Events near The Dunes
Manarat Al Saadiyat hosts regular art exhibitions and cultural events, adding vibrancy to community life on Saadiyat Island.
FAQs
The Dunes is located on Saadiyat Island, easily accessible via E12. It sits near some of Abu Dhabi’s major cultural landmarks and natural attractions.
Louvre Abu Dhabi – 10 mins
Zayed National Museum – 11 mins
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – 13 mins
Al Maryah Island – 18 mins
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